Description
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
The crowds rejected the messages from Jesus and John the Baptist and Jesus lamented over their unwillingness to see the truth. He contrasted their refusal with the acceptance of the “little children” who were able to receive and understand the Message of the Gospel without reservation. Jesus extended an invitation to all who were weary and burdened to come to Him for rest and comfort. Our faith should reflect the faith of a child, and we should be willing to open-handedly receive the truth without skepticism or pride, finding rest and renewal in Jesus’ invitation to come to Him.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
Good morning/afternoon/evening to you all. It is surely good to see you!
Worshipers
We are happy to be here.
Pastor/ Worship Leader
We gather as a community before the Lord, and He is so pleased that we are together in one accord.
Worshipers
The Lord is here in our midst!
Time of Praise and Worship
Only A Holy God
Dustin Smith | Jonny Robinson | Michael Farren | Rich Thompson, © 2016 CityAlight Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) Farren Love And War Publishing (Admin, by Integrity Music) Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music)
Sing To The King
Billy James Foote, ©2003 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Safe
Phil Wickham & Timothy Palmer, © 2009 Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Simple Tense Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
[Traditional Options]
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say
BH91 551; EH 692; ELW 332,611; HWC 414; HFG 51; HLC 309; LBW 497; LSB 699; LW 348; NCH 489; WC 506; WIS 59
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
BH 75 58; BH 91 208; CH 648; CHH 517; EH 657; ELW 631; HWC 92; HFG 21; HLC 5; HGP 3; HSP 24; LBW 315; LSB 700; LW 286; NCH 43; PH 376; RH 34; STTL 507; WC 558; UMH 384; WHM 94; WIS 16
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
BH 75 69; BH 91 216; CH 21; CHH 5; EH 493; ELW 886; HWC 76; HPW 7; HFG 349; HLC 90; HGP 32; HSP 19; LBW 559; LSB 528; LW 276; NCH 42; PH 466; RH 51; STTL 147; WC 130; UMH 57; WAR 96; WHM 46; WIS 12
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Gracious God, we seek Your rest.
Worshipers
Only You can provide the comfort we seek for.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We are weary and broken, carrying the burden of living in a broken world.
Worshipers
We like little children come to You for hope and renewal.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We ask You to open our hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel and guide us onto Your righteous path.
Worshipers
Amen.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Dear Lord, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and we seek You with childlike faith. As we gather in Your presence today, we pray that You would grant us rest and comfort.
Worshipers
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Brothers and Sisters, let us confess the ways in which we have failed to trust in God’s wisdom and love. Let us bring our confession safely to our Redeemer.
Worshipers
Jesus, we confess that we have carried the burdens of life on our own. When we should have turned to You, Jesus, for rest and comfort, we took the yoke upon ourselves. Forgive us, Lord, for this is sin.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We take heart in the promise of forgiveness and grace that comes through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. We pray that You, Lord, will renew and strengthen us for the journey ahead.
Worshipers
In the name of Jesus, amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Zechariah 9:9-12
The prophet Zechariah foretells the coming of a righteous king who would bring salvation and restoration to God’s people. This king was Jesus who freed us from sin and oppression, establishing a new covenant of peace.
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. 11 As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. 12 Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.
